Where to Buy and Play Tabletop Games in Norwich
Norwich has always been a city that thrives on creativity, and its tabletop gaming scene is no exception. Independent Norwich Lanes shops, dedicated cafés, and long-standing community groups have built a culture where newcomers and veterans alike can explore everything from classic role-playing games to the latest strategy titles. For us, this has never been just about buying a box from the shelf, but about finding welcoming places where stories unfold, dice roll, and friendships are forged across the table. No Will Wheaton-style nemesis in sight!
Whether you are searching for a rare import recommended on BoardGamesGeek, just eager to try out a new release with like-minded players, or simply looking for somewhere to sit down and learn the rules over coffee, Norwich has a range of venues and groups that make gaming part of everyday life. Below, we highlight the shops and communities we know and trust, shaped by years of visits and conversations, and still growing stronger today.
Independent Board Game Cafés in Norwich
Slice + Dice – Play board games with food and drink
Slice + Dice has quickly become a cornerstone for Norwich’s tabletop crowd. Part café, part gaming hub, it’s a place where you can order food and drinks while sampling everything from light party titles to full strategy epics. The library here is extensive, and the welcoming staff will happily help you find a game that suits your group. It’s the kind of venue that works as well for a casual gaming date night in Norwich as it does for an intense, dedicated Dungeons & Dragons session. We’re particular fans of their nifty tables with trays underneath that make the best use of the space for game components and food – a combo that doesn’t always work well together if you’re a messy eater!
Local Gaming Shops in Norwich
Athena Games – RPGs, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon tournaments and tabletop events
Tucked away in St Gregory’s Alley, Athena Games has built its reputation as Norwich’s home for role-playing games, collectable card games and organised play. Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons and miniature skirmish titles all have dedicated space here in the shop, located on the basement floor, with events running most nights of the week on the upstairs level. It’s a shop that feels alive with activity, where tables are as important as the shelves.
The doors are always open, and those who game here are dead friendly. The gaming hall upstairs, in our opinion, is a great place for younger players to get their first glance of the spectrum of player ages, abilities and interests.
Langley’s in Chantry Place – family-friendly board games and toys
Langley’s is something of a Norwich institution. Once based in the Royal Arcade, it now sits mainly within Chantry Place, where families flock for its wide range of toys and puzzles. Board games and role-playing titles are not as prevalent as they were before the move to Chantry Place, but a decent selection can still be found at the back of the store, offering an easy entry point for younger players and casual buyers. While it may no longer have the old-world charm of when if was entirely based in its arcade setting, its stock remains broad and reliable. It should be noted there’s still a Langley’s in the Royal Arcade – but that’s mainly Airfix-style kits and modelling boxsets.
Zatu Games – Norwich’s specialist board game store and events
Zatu began life as an online retailer, and initially we didn’t even realise they were Norwich-based. But their Norwich shop has become a destination in its own right. Rows upon rows of modern classics, imports and hard-to-find expansions make browsing here a genuine thrill. They occasionally run launch events too; the upcoming Gwent release, for example, is already attracting interest. They are remarkably competitive in terms of pricing, and we picked up an excellent copy of King of Tokyo alongside a retro classic Crossbows & Catapults – a reminder of how Zatu combines both range and value.
The Games Room – a long-standing treasure trove for gamers
The Games Room is one of Norwich’s true hidden treasures. A small shop that has supplied generations of players, it has been part of most of our team’s gaming life from childhood through to adulthood – whether picking up Magic: The Gathering boosters, tracking down old Vampire: The Masquerade books, or even hunting out packs of Spellfire when we first got into tradable card games. Think of it as Norwich’s own Ollivanders: you might walk in not knowing exactly what you want, but you’ll walk out with the perfect game matched to your vibe.
Warhammer Norwich – Games Workshop miniatures and hobby space
Games Workshop’s Norwich store has long been a hub for miniature painting and the sprawling worlds of Warhammer. From the ever-popular 40K and Fantasy, to Necromunda, Mordheim and other skirmish warbands, everything is catered for in a welcoming space where newcomers can learn the ropes. Olly from our team at Norfolk’s Best can still remember queueing outside as a teenager to glimpse the dioramas, and enthusiastically catching a store-arranged coach to the Golden Demon Awards in Birmingham. It’s conveniently located in the centre of the city for easy, cheap Norwich parking options.
While we’ve often thought the price point was steep, that never stopped us from adding to our collections. These days, some players turn to alternative systems like those from Privateer Press, but the Warhammer Norwich store still represents a national appreciation of this huge universe and it’s unwieldy sprues.
Board Game Clubs and Community Events in Norwich
NoBoG at The Brew House – Norwich Board Gamers weekly meetups
NoBoG (Norwich Board Gamers) has become a social anchor for the city’s tabletop community. Meeting weekly at The Brew House, the group welcomes newcomers and experienced players alike. It’s a chance to try new releases, revisit classics, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a relaxed, friendly setting. Their Instagram @norwich_board_gamers gives a flavour of the latest titles on the table each week.
Diceni and The Forum – city-wide tabletop showcases
The Forum has often hosted some of Norwich’s biggest gaming events, not least the annual Diceni convention, where traders, publishers and clubs all come together. Demonstrations from experts and one-off sessions are regular fixtures, offering a snapshot of the city’s diverse gaming culture.
New Buckenham Historical Wargamers – expert demonstrations and historical battles
Just outside Norwich, the New Buckenham Historical Wargamers keep the flame alive for those who love military history in miniature. Their events mix meticulous craftsmanship with deep historical knowledge, and it’s always a joy to catch them doing demonstrations at The Forum. These encounters remind us that tabletop gaming in Norfolk has always been about more than just rolling dice – it’s about storytelling, history and community.
Norwich’s Tabletop Gaming Scene
Tabletop gaming in Norwich continues to evolve, blending the city’s love for tradition with a growing appetite for modern play. From our teenage years queueing outside to see the latest releases painted up properly, through evenings spent with friends learning new systems, to watching today’s clubs bring fresh players together, we have seen how these spaces remain more than retail. They are gathering points, places where you can connect over stories, laughter, and sometimes heated dice rolls.
If you are ready to explore what the city offers, start with one of the shops we have shared, or drop into a local group such as NoBoG to see the latest titles being played. However you enter, Norwich makes it easy to stay and belong in its gaming world.
Round Up of Norwich’s Tabletop Gaming Options
| Venue / Group | What You’ll Find |
| Slice + Dice | Board game café with food, drinks and a large game library |
| Athena Games | RPGs, Magic: The Gathering, organised play in Gregory’s Alley |
| Langley’s (Chantry Place) | Family-friendly games and toys, board games at the back of store |
| Zatu Games | Huge board game range, launch events, great for modern classics |
| The Games Room | Small, unique shop for Magic, Vampire, Spellfire and niche finds |
| Warhammer Norwich | Games Workshop store, painting, hobby space and miniature dioramas |
| NoBoG (The Brew House) | Weekly meetups to play and learn new games |
| Diceni / The Forum | Annual convention and regular tabletop showcases |
| New Buckenham Historical Wargamers | Historical battle demos and expert craftsmanship, often at The Forum |
